Perinatal Systems

Who Are We?

Palmetto Health Richland is a Regional Perinatal Center (RPC). An RPC has the highest level of skill and technology available in its region to care for high risk OB and neonatal patients. The RPC is responsible for serving as a transport and consultation center for the 16 counties which comprise the Midlands Region.

Each RPC in South Carolina has a Perinatal Systems Department which is dedicated to improving perinatal outcomes in their region by ensuring seamless access to risk appropriate care. We are funded by a grant from SC DHEC. Our staff includes a Region Systems Developer (RSD), an OB Outreach RN Educator and a Neonatal Outreach RN Educator. For more information on South Carolina regions and perinatal regionalization, go to the following link: SC DHEC Perinatal Regionalization.

Internally, we work very closely with the Directors of Maternal Fetal Medicine and Neonatology, the Transport Team and the management and staff of our clinical areas for sick or preterm moms and babies. The outreach nurses track all perinatal patients transferred to/away from Palmetto Health Richland and provide sending physicians and hospitals feedback on the continuing care of their patients.

Externally, Perinatal Systems provides education and consultation that can impact the health and care of mothers and babies in the region. We work with hospitals, health departments, physicians’ offices, healthy starts and community groups. We assist in reviewing/developing policies, participate in morbidity and mortality review and do annual very low birthweight (VLBW) reviews for all of the hospitals we contract with.   

In addition, we have staff based in our area who are funded by March of Dimes grants. They have more direct contact with patients. Our Interconception RN works to increase awareness of the importance of a woman's overall health when entering pregnancy; the program goal is to prevent future prematurity by improving a woman's health.

We have a very well developed Hispanic Perinatal Outreach program. Internally, our bilingual social worker teaches Spanish prenatal classes and helps Latinas navigate the local healthcare system. Externally, we are forming partnerships with other entities to assess and meet the unique needs of Latinas and are attempting to lay the ground work for best practices across the state.      

Midlands Perinatal Systems Staff

Region Systems Developer Amy Nienhuis, LISW-CP, MSW 803-434-6961 amy.nienhuis@palmettohealth.org	Neonatal Outreach Educator   Chaka Davis, RNC, MSN, MPH, IBCLC 803-434-2913 chaka.davis@palmettohealth.org
OB Outreach Educator Michelle Flanagan, RN, BSN 803-434-7243 michelle.flanagan@palmettohealth.org	Administrative Coordinator Gail Varner 803-434-2912 gail.varner@palmettohealth.org

Palmetto Health Richland Perinatal Systems
3 Medical Park, Suite 400
Columbia, SC 29203
803-434-2912